1858
The Victoria Hebrew Benevolent Society is founded.
June 23, 1859
A Jewish Cemetery is consecrated on Cedar Hill Road, the oldest in Western Canada.
Selim Franklin is elected to the Legislative Assembly of Vancouver Island—the third Jew to be elected to a legislature in British North America.
1860
Morris Price, murdered at Cayoosh (Lilooet), becomes the first person to be interred at the Jewish Cemetery.
1861
The Congregation “Emanu‐El of Victoria, Vancouver Island” is officially formed, and purchases a piece of land, “suitable in all respects for $730.00” for a future Synagogue.
A call for architects is issued.
A call for architects is issued.
1862
The cornerstone is laid in a grand public ceremony on June 2nd—a gala celebration attended by the mayor, town council, Chief Justice, the Freemasons, Hebrew Benevolent, French Benevolent and St. Andrews Societies, bands and choirs.
Consecration takes place in September.
June 2, 1863
1864
1866
1871
1891
The construction contract is given to Mr. Riddle in December.
1892
1893
1948
1976
The Committee enlists the aid and expertise of the Heritage Conservation Branch of the Provincial Government, which proves invaluable throughout the four-year restoration project.
1978
The Annual General Meeting of the Congregation unanimously approves the restoration project. Fund‐raising is launched. Every single member of the Synagogue contributes to the restoration—producing the largest amount ever raised in Victoria.
1979
April, 1980
2003
2010
Congregation Emanu-El, 1461 Blanshard Street, Victoria, B.C. V8W 2J3 Canada
Tel: 250-382-0615 • InfoAtCongEman
Office hours: Tues–Thurs 9:30am-2:30pm